Abstract: Permeability transitions rather than ablation mechanisms facilitate selective removal of the imaging layer of a lithographic plate, which allows for imaging with low-power lasers that need not impart ablation-inducing energy levels.

Abstract: Permeability transitions rather than ablation mechanisms facilitate selective removal of the imaging layer of a lithographic plate, which allows for imaging with low-power lasers that need not impart ablation-inducing energy levels.

Abstract: Solubility transitions rather than ablation mechanisms facilitate selective removal of the imaging layer of a lithographic plate, which allows for imaging with low-power lasers that need not impart ablation-inducing energy levels.

Abstract: Lithographic imaging using non-ablative printing members combines the benefits of simple construction, the ability to utilize traditional metal base supports, and amenability to imaging with low-power lasers that need not impart ablation-inducing energy levels. A representative printing member has a topmost layer that is ink-receptive and does not significantly absorb imaging radiation, a second layer thereunder that is hydrophilic and does absorb imaging radiation, and a metal substrate under the second layer. The printing member is selectively exposed to laser radiation in an imagewise pattern, and laser energy passes substantially unabsorbed through the first layer and is absorbed by the second layer. Heat builds up in the second layer sufficiently to detach the first layer, which is formulated to resist reattachment. But the first layer and, more significantly, the third layer act to dissipate heat from the second layer to prevent its ablation.